Kidnappings in South Africa: The Rising Crisis of 2024 | SSC Legacy
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The Rising Threat of Kidnappings in South Africa

Kidnappings in South Africa: A Rising Crisis in 2024

In 2024, South Africa has faced a disturbing surge in kidnappings, affecting both adults and children. This alarming trend has created a wave of fear across the nation, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to combat this growing crisis.

The Extent of the Kidnapping Problem in South Africa

According to Missing Children South Africa, approximately 1,300 cases of kidnapping are reported to the police each month (EWN: www.ewn.co.za/2024/03/05/missing-children-sa-says-1-300-cases-of-kidnapping-are-reported-monthly). The high rate of kidnapping is deeply concerning, particularly as South Africa is recognized as a major hub for human trafficking.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics for 2023/24 revealed that between July and September alone, there were 4,300 reported cases of kidnapping (IOL: www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/sa-is-a-hive-with-kidnapping-of-adults-and-children-0258e9fd-5f0e-4050-a2ef-eb3be466ca85). This surge in kidnappings has been closely linked to organized crime syndicates, drawing parallels with the lawlessness of mafia states.

16,000 annual kidnappings in SA.

(IOL: https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/shocking-16000-annual-kidnappings-in-sa-who-is-targeted-and-how-can-you-stay-safe-676cf164-bede-43cb-964b-fb4968c3d37a)

Notable Cases of Kidnappings of Adults

Several high-profile cases have brought the issue to the forefront, demonstrating the pervasive nature of this crime.

Bongani Khumalo: Bongani Khumalo, a tavern owner, was abducted at gunpoint in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, while running errands. He was taken from his car at a traffic light by two men who blocked him in with their vehicles. This incident underscores the level of planning and audacity exhibited by kidnappers (Daily Maverick: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-09-07-africas-abduction-capital-harrowing-tales-of-kidnapping-syndicates-holding-sa-to-ransom).

Maggie Skosana and Gugu Mtsweni: In Nkangala, Mpumalanga, municipal manager Maggie Skosana and her driver Gugu Mtsweni were kidnapped while approaching the Nkangala municipality office. Their car was blocked by another vehicle with flashing blue lights, and three men wearing police-branded balaclavas abducted them (Daily Maverick: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-09-07-africas-abduction-capital-harrowing-tales-of-kidnapping-syndicates-holding-sa-to-ransom).

Zahraa Mohammed and Bataviya Mohammed: Zahraa Mohammed, 17, and Bataviya Mohammed, 19, were kidnapped in front of a primary school in Brits. They were later rescued by police (IOL: www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/shocking-16000-annual-kidnappings-in-sa-who-is-targeted-and-how-can-you-stay-safe-676cf164-bede-43cb-964b-fb4968c3d37a).

Kelvin Naidoo: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Kelvin Naidoo, a senior employee at Auto-X and deputy president of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, was kidnapped on July 19, 2024. He was taken from his workplace in Lindsey Road, Korsten, by five suspects wearing balaclavas who forced him into their vehicle (TimesLIVE: www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2024-07-19-another-gqeberha-businessman-kidnapped-search-on).

Omar Carrim: Pretoria
Omar Carrim, a 76-year-old businessperson and owner of Home Hyper City, was kidnapped on August 3, 2023, outside his business. He was held for ransom, and the case remains one of the most prominent examples of kidnapping for ransom in recent years (The Citizen: www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/kidnappings-on-rise-in-sa).

Elderly British National: An 84-year-old British woman was kidnapped for ransom on La Chasseur Road in Robertson, Western Cape. She was rescued by a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team and taken to a medical facility for observation (TimesLIVE: www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2024-10-07-two-kidnap-for-ransom-cases-in-western-cape-winelands-region).

Young Woman: A 20-year-old woman was kidnapped for ransom in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. She was also rescued by law enforcement (TimesLIVE: www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2024-10-07-two-kidnap-for-ransom-cases-in-western-cape-winelands-region).

Unnamed Businessman: Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape
An unnamed businessman was abducted from his shop in March 2024. A ransom of R27 million was demanded for his release. He was returned two weeks later, alive but traumatized (BusinessTech: businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/775200/warning-over-express-kidnapping-in-south-africa).

Kidnapping for ransom has become a significant issue in South Africa. In the first half of 2024, 54 alleged kidnappers operating in Gauteng, the North West, Mpumalanga, and the Free State were arrested. Ransoms were demanded in 136 cases

(News24: www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/two-kidnapping-victims-rescued-in-gauteng-4-alleged-kidnappers-in-custody-and-one-in-hospital-20240709).

Portuguese Business People

There have been several incidents involving Portuguese business people being kidnapped in South Africa in 2024:

Mark Ramos: Florida, Johannesburg
Ramos, a butchery owner, was kidnapped from outside his business on Albertina Sisulu Road. He was rescued from a house in Soweto, and a suspect believed to be part of a syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings was arrested (TimesLIVE: www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2024-07-02-kidnapped-businessman-mark-ramos-rescued-from-soweto-home-arrest-made).

Another Portuguese Businessman in Soweto:
Location: Southgate, Johannesburg
A Portuguese businessman who owned a butchery was kidnapped last week and found tied up at the Nancefield hostel in Soweto. The police acted swiftly, rescuing him without a ransom being paid. Two suspects believed to be the drivers of the getaway vehicles were arrested.

Portuguese Businessman in Bramley:
A 53-year-old Portuguese businessman was kidnapped outside his business premises. He was rescued and reunited with his family. Nine suspects, including a South African Police Services (SAPS) officer, were arrested in connection with this case.

These cases highlight the growing threat of organised crime syndicates in South Africa, with kidnappings becoming a lucrative business for criminals. The rise in such incidents has prompted calls for increased vigilance and protective measures to safeguard the vulnerable population.

How to Protect Yourself

Given the increasing rates of kidnappings, it is crucial for individuals to take proactive steps to ensure their safety. One effective way to prepare yourself is to consider Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT), which you can inquire about here: HEAT Training.

Additionally, you can complete a free online course on Personal Safety & Security to better prepare yourself for potential threats: Personal Safety & Security Online Course.

Conclusion

The kidnapping crisis in South Africa has reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with both adults and children being targeted by organized crime syndicates. The alarming frequency of these incidents highlights the need for urgent action to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

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